In his recent book, Moral Ambition, Rutger Bregman presents a compelling argument: the most potent way to drive societal change is through your career. For many of us, this idea sparks inspiration, but it also brings a deep sense of conflict. In today’s job market, well-paid positions often seem disconnected from any real-world impact. The jobs that promise meaningful change are uncertain, often lower-paying, or seem difficult to access. Bregman invites us to confront this struggle head-on, encouraging us to rethink the purpose of our work in a society teetering between a desire for moral impact and the pressures of financial stability.
The Struggle: Bullshit Jobs vs. Meaningful Work
Many of us are familiar with what Bregman and others term “bullshit jobs”—roles that may pay well but feel meaningless in the grand scheme of things. These positions often involve pushing papers, following arbitrary procedures, or selling products that contribute little to the world at large. They may provide financial comfort, but leave a gnawing feeling of dissatisfaction. Deep down, there’s the persistent question: “Am I making a difference?”
On the flip side are the jobs that seek to tackle systemic issues—positions in nonprofits, education, social work, activism, or sustainability initiatives. These roles promise purpose but are often marked by uncertainty. They may offer lower pay, fewer opportunities for advancement, or come with the looming threat of burnout. Moreover, the journey to securing such roles can be fraught with barriers. It’s not uncommon to feel like you’re running against the wind, struggling to find opportunities that both align with your values and allow you to build a stable career.
The Fork in the Road: Career Pathways for Change
Despite the struggle, Bregman points out that there are more pathways to meaningful work than we might think—if we’re willing to break away from conventional notions of success. Here are a few avenues to consider:
- Social Entrepreneurship: Starting your own initiative can be a powerful way to address social or environmental challenges. While this comes with the risk of failure, it also provides the freedom to chart your own course. From ethical startups to nonprofit ventures, creating your own business with a purpose allows you to blend innovation with impact.
- B Corporations and Socially Conscious Companies: Not all businesses are created equal. More and more companies today are integrating social and environmental responsibility into their business models. Working for or founding a B Corporation—a certified company that balances profit with purpose—can provide a middle ground between financial stability and moral ambition.
- Public Sector Innovation: Government roles aren’t always associated with rapid change, but public sector jobs can be a critical pathway for those looking to influence systems from the inside. By working in policy, urban planning, education, or healthcare reform, you can help shape the structures that govern our society, driving change on a systemic level.
- Think Tanks and Research Institutions: If you are academically inclined or enjoy strategic thinking, working for think tanks or research organizations can offer the chance to influence policy and public discourse. While these positions may not seem as immediately impactful as grassroots activism, they play a crucial role in crafting the ideas that lead to societal shifts.
- Grassroots Activism and Advocacy: For those drawn to community work, grassroots organizations provide an opportunity to work directly with those affected by systemic issues. While these roles may involve long hours and limited funding, they also offer immediate, tangible results and the opportunity to build resilient communities.
- Career Pivots: If your current role feels meaningless, it’s never too late to pivot. Many professionals transition from corporate roles to social enterprises, nonprofit organizations, or policy work. The key is to leverage your existing skills—whether in finance, management, or marketing—to benefit causes you care about.
Bridging the Gap: Navigating Uncertainty
Choosing a career path that prioritizes change can feel daunting, especially when financial pressures loom large. Bregman acknowledges that the road to a purpose-driven career isn’t always straightforward, but he insists that it is a path worth walking. The trick lies in finding balance.
For some, this might mean continuing to work in well-paying roles while actively seeking opportunities to contribute to causes they care about on the side—whether through volunteer work, activism, or part-time roles in social organizations. For others, it might involve a gradual transition from the corporate world to a purpose-driven sector, using savings or side income to mitigate the financial risk.
Bregman’s key message is that moral ambition doesn’t mean rejecting financial stability outright. Instead, it involves the courage to question whether the roles we occupy truly align with our values. In a world that often encourages us to prioritize our personal wealth, Bregman encourages us to find ways to align our careers with the broader pursuit of justice, equality, and sustainability.
Conclusion: The Long Game of Career Purpose
At the heart of Bregman’s argument is the belief that we all have the power to create change—but that power lies most strongly in the work we do. While the road to a purpose-driven career might not be straightforward, Bregman’s challenge is clear: embrace the uncertainty, confront the struggles, and use your career as a force for good. The impact may not be immediate, but over time, a career driven by moral ambition has the potential to contribute to a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.
The question is not whether we can afford to pursue meaningful work—it’s whether we can afford not to.